Weber Marking Systems New CEO

: 57 years old; bachelor's degree in marketing, University of Dayton, 1972. Approached Weber Marking on the mistaken advice that it was "Weber Marketing," joined in 1972 and has held a succession of posts including vice-president of marketing and sales.

Strong suit

: Communicating with customers after 16 years running the sales and marketing operation. The first person outside the Weber family to head the $90 million company, succeeding Joseph Weber Jr., 72, who continues as chairman. Mr. McGrath also has institutional knowledge.

Résumé gap

: Lacks international experience as Weber Marking chases American heavy manufacturing clients that have moved operations offshore.

Track record

: Succeeded in boosting sales by converting the 73-year-old firm from a distributorship model to a direct sales organization. "That is how we prospered, having direct control over our distribution," he says.

Job one

: Selling more in foreign markets and expanding radio-frequency identification offerings in light of mandates by Wal-Mart Stores Inc., the U.S. Department of Defense and other purchasers that want radio transmitters on pallets and cases.

Obstacles

: Suppliers have been reluctant to buy into radio technology until costs go down and uniform standards take hold. "A lot of companies are not going full throttle at this time," he says.

The Plan

: Look to open new factories in South America and Asia to get closer to packagers. Also, latest product offerings make it easier to transition to RFID later on.